What is working with MPs and policymakers?
Working with MPs and policymakers is also called “lobbying” which simply means getting people who make decisions at a senior level in organisations, local councils or government to support your cause or campaign. Anyone can lobby their local authority or MP, from individuals, to organisations such as INQUEST which supports families in an effort to change policy at a national level.
Working with local councillors
Your local council has legal responsibility for matters such as housing and homelessness, children and young people’s services, adult social care and education. Although not always directly linked, some of these issues can have a knock-on effect that may be relevant to you and your case. Each council (or local authority) has to carry out government policy at a local level.
How can I work with my MP?
All MPs can be contacted by e-mail, letter or phone or at a surgery at their constituency office. Your MP should respond to your requests, and listen to your concerns. Most MPs (not all of course) respond positively to specific requests: it saves them having to work out the best way forward, and it makes you look like you mean business and won’t waste their time.
Working with other MPs and parliament
As well as working with your own MP you can try to influence others in parliament in a number of different ways; Petitions: a written petition can be presented to Downing Street. You can also start an e-petition. These are an easy, personal way for you to influence government and Parliament in the UK.
Working with INQUEST
One of INQUEST’s core values is to “ensure that the collective experience of those with whom we work is fed back to the relevant policy makers”. In short INQUEST helps involve families with lobbying. The organisation is committed to helping families engage with the people who have the power to make real and lasting change.
The power of local media
Most elected representatives are as concerned about their local media coverage as about appearing in the national press. They have to work hard to keep a good reputation with the local media. They also read local papers so they can stay in touch with what is happening in their area.
Contacting your MP
To find out whom your MP is you can do a quick internet search: www.findyourmp.parliament.uk or you can telephone the House of Commons Public Information Office: 020 7219 4272. For any other parliamentary information refer to: hcinfo@parliament.uk.
Some useful parliamentary terms
Find out the meaning and definition of these terms: Bill, Early Day Motion (EDM), Adjournment debate, Green Paper, White Paper, PPS